The collection of B.M. objects was created using the lost-wax bell-metal casting process, a technique that has been practiced worldwide for centuries. Collaborating with the Muria community in central India, Pakhalé rediscovered this ancient craft. By refining the process, he skillfully combines traditional techniques with contemporary design to produce a unique collection of design objects.
One of the initial items in the collection was the B.M. Horse Chair. Pakhalé aimed to craft a larger, seamless piece using the lost-wax casting method. However, the dimensions of the B.M. Horse made it unfeasible to produce it as a single piece using conventional techniques. Between 2000 and 2005, Pakhalé made four attempts to cast the chair at a foundry in India, but all were unsuccessful. Fabricating such a large, thin-walled object in one piece is challenging, as there must be adequate space for the metal to flow, and the results are only revealed once the mold is dismantled.
In 2005, Pakhalé took the project to Europe and began to consider alternatives to natural wax. He created a novel technique by substituting wax with specially designed, semi-flexible PVC cord and developing a silicone mold. He explored Europe in search of a foundry willing to accept the challenge and eventually found one near Milan, Italy, that was ready to give it a try. During this period, Pakhalé conducted metallurgical tests that simulated mathematical models to examine metal flow. Ultimately, the B.M. Horse was successfully cast in seamless bronze and was first showcased by ammann // gallery at Design Miami/Basel in Switzerland in 2007.
This achievement resulted from seven years of dedicated research and development. The distinctive and innovative method blends traditional and modern materials and technologies, making the piece a genuine limited edition. With its fusion of design, technology, craftsmanship, engineering, material exploration, and determination, the B.M. series occupies a unique place in the realm of contemporary design.
Several pieces from this collection are held in public museums, including the MoMA in New York, the V&A in London, and the MAKK in Cologne.
Credit Frans Feijen
BM Horse Chair bright
year: 2007/8
material: bright bronze with sandblasted surface
measurements: w 54 x d 75 x h 95 cm
w 21.3 x d 29.5 x h 37.4 inches
edition: 7 + 3 a.p.
BM Horse Chaise Longue
year: 2007/8
material: bronze with sandblasted surface
measurements: w 140 x d 62 x h 82 cm
w 55.1 x d 24.4 x h 32.3 inches
edition: 7 + 3 a.p.
BM Lo Horse Table Bright
year: 2011
material: bronze with sandblasted surface
measurements: w 60 x d 60 x h 68 cm
w 23.6 x d 23.6 x h 26.8 inches
edition: 7 + 3 a.p.
BM Horse Stool bright
year: 2019
material: bright bronze with sandblasted surface
measurements: ø 73 x h 40 cm
ø 28.7 x h 15.7 inches
edition: 7 + 3 a.p.
BM Lo Horse Table
year: 2011
material: bronze with sandblasted surface
measurements: w 60 x d 60 x h 68 cm
w 23.6 x d 23.6 x h 26.8 inches
edition: 7 + 3 a.p.
BM Kanheri
year: 2018
material: bronze with sandblasted surface
measurements: ø 37 x h 38.5 cm
ø 14.6 x h 15.2 inches
edition: 7 + 3 a.p.
BM Karad
year: 2018
material: bronze with sandblasted surface
measurements: ø 19 x h 31 cm
ø 7.5 x h 12.2 inches
edition: 7 + 3 a.p.
BM Kuda
year: 2018
material: bronze with sandblasted surface
measurements: ø 41 x h 20 cm
ø 16.1 x h 7.9 inches
edition: 7 + 3 a.p.
BM Kondane
year: 2018
material: bronze with sandblasted surface
measurements: ø 39 x h 44 cm
ø 15.4 x h 17.3 inches
edition: 7 + 3 a.p.